The cheapest places to live in the world. $500 a month
Are you tired of busy cities, crowded streets, high rents and almost non-affordable mortgage? Well...there are places in the world where you can live well for less. The cheapest places to live are also the most beautiful and exotic destinations. So why not make your dreams come true, pack your bags and move to one of those paradise locations, if not for a lifetime, then at least for a year or two?
There are two simple rules to follow while searching for low cost destinations. Firstly: if you find a place cheap enough to travel to, then most probably you will also find it cheap to live in. Secondly: wherever you are, the further from the big cities and large agglomerations, the cheaper it gets.
Of course 'cheap' is a very relative concept, and what is cheap for you may not be cheap for people living some place else in the world.
But if 'cheap' means spending just a few dollars/euro/pounds a day, then these locations in Asia and Central America may interest you...
THAILAND
This could be your home. By rene ehrhardt
Have you ever been to Thailand? Do you remember that feeling of paying $1 (€0.70) for a glass of beer? Did you ask yourself then what it would feel like to pay that much for a drink back home? Or the other way round... what would it feel like to enjoy such prices on a daily basis? If your answers are yes, yes, yes ...then why not consider moving to the Land of Smiles for a while?
Life is short and, really, no one forces you to spend your days sitting in the office with a computer as your best friend. Think about sandy beaches, constant sunshine and excellent food and realize that you can have it all for less than $500 (€350) a month.
Of course this amount will not pay a beach apartment but you can easily find cheap accommodation in places as beautiful as Chang Mai, up north, where you will pay around $30 (€21) a month for a small flat. Nearer the coast, a room in the apartments runs at roughly $90 (€63) upwards.
Chang Mai by Dj Badly
Cooking at home will cost you nothing as fruits, vegetables and meat at the local markets fall into the budget category. If you are too lazy to cook then try excellent Thai food from street-side food stalls. You can get spicy chicken with rice or noodles for around $1 (€0.70). Spending around $200 (€142) for food a month, you still have around $200 (€142) spare to enjoy local trips, restaurants, parties and some small shopping.
CAMBODIA
Angkor Wat. By Jon 2
Thinking about Cambodian history, the bloody regime of Pol Pot and poverty, no one would dare to call the country a paradise, but in terms of living cost Cambodia rivals Thailand. It does not have as great beaches as its Thai neighbor but, well, it is not all about beaches, right? You can easily live for less than $500 (€350) in the country’s capital, Phnom Penh.
As there are more and more foreigners living in the town, the accommodation prices are getting higher – it would be hard to find something below $200 (€142) a month, but you can always reduce this cost by sharing a flat with a friend or some long-term travelers.
With $300 (€213) left, you can easily get by in the country. The food prices are similar or lower than in Thailand. Eating in local restaurants will cost you around $2 (€1.40) a meal and $1 (€0.70) a beer but if you really aim to trim your budget, you can try food from street stalls- simple but delicious. Traveling by tuk tuk will cost you several bucks/euro a day.
Getting around by tuk tuk. By tajai
Living in Phnom Penh, the town of no McDonald’s and Starbucks, may be a life changing experience for you. Be aware that Cambodians are extremely poor but modest people, so treat them with respect. Getting to know a few natives may help you to understand the complex history and tough life in the country. You can always teach English or get involved with some non-governmental organizations to help change the reality around you.
For visa details read an article at www.shelteroffshore.com
You will find similar costs of living in nearby countries such as Vietnam and Laos .
PHILIPPINES
Such beach on a daily basis? Why not...By Eric Uano
Another exotic destination where life will cost you not more than $500 (€350) a month is thePhilippines. Following the rule of getting away from big cities, Manila is not an option, as a rent prices start at $360 (€255) a month. But if you head for Cebu, one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, with sandy beaches, golf courses and great shopping, you can get an apartment for $150 (€106) a month. In other bustling towns, such as Damaguete City, you can easily rent a room for around $40 (€28) per month.
Food is also cheap. $200 (€142) a month will be absolutely enough to provide you with all necessities including alcohol and tobacco - a big glass of beer and pack of cigarettes cost $0.55 (€0.39) and $0.80 (€0.57) respectively.
Ricefields in the Philippines. By Sekitar
Moreover, the Philippines offer a special resident retiree visa that you can get as early as at the age of 35, but you need to deposit $50K in a bank there. At the age of 50 and above you have to deposit $10K and prove a monthly pension of $800 single ($1K couple).
Malaysia , has a similar retiree offer called My Second Home program.
COSTA RICA
Surfing in Costa Rica might be an option...By Saaron83
Just a few dollars/euro would be enough to survive in Costa Rica. And surviving in Costa Rica may be just a pleasure. The land has 12 different climatic zones and abundant wildlife, but in general, the weather is hot tropical and the natives (called Ticos) are very spirited and friendly people.
Prices in San José are low - the cost of goods and services is among the lowest of all cities throughout the world. You can easily live on $500-$600 (€350-€425) a month if you share a house or flat with a partner or a friend.
Obviously the further away from San José, the lower the cost of housing. Around 75 km (50 miles) from the town you can rent a small or medium house for $250 (€177) a month.
In the restaurants you can have an excellent meal with desert for about $4.00 - $5.00 (€2.8-€3.5). And if you buy food at local markets and from the street vendors, you pay less- a bunch of bananas will cost you $0.50 (€0.30) or less. Cigarettes are only about $1.20 (€0.90) per pack. In general, the prices in supermarkets are 30% higher than on the local markets and street stalls.
Street stall in Costa Rica. By Angela Rutherford
While in Costa Rica you can learn or develop your surfing skills as the coast has great breaks and excellent surf conditions. And if you're not too lazy, you can learn or practice your Spanish. Lessons will cost you much less than back home or in Spain.
To find out more check the blog by Tim, who has lived in the country for several years. It seems that he knows a lot about living in Costa Rica.
If you seriously think about moving to Costa Rica, you should also read ‘Living Abroad in Costa Rica’ by Erin Van Rheenen, who herself moved to live there and wrote from experience. The book explores the country’s history and culture, describes the nation and, of course, suggests a reconnaissance trip to Costa Rica before you decide to move.
BELIZE
Belize sunset by Gold44
Your dream of a personal heaven for a bargain price may also come true in Belize, which is considered one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. It has it all: great beaches, subtropical climate, and diverse wildlife. The official language in the country is English – that makes things simpler, doesn’t it?
The country is also a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling lovers .The Belize Barrier Reef offers 127 offshore Cayes (islands) where you will find the best preserved marine ecosystems in the world.
The costs of living are similar to those in Costa Rica. For a large house in Cayo district, a one-hour drive west from Belize City, you may pay $300 (€210) a month and if you share with two other friends, it is only $100 (€70)!!!
Groceries are cheap when bought locally. Imported stuff is in general 50% more expensive so if you want to trim your budget, you should shop at local markets and buy from street vendors.
If you’re 45 or more you may consider retiring to Belize. The Retired Person’s Incentive Programmay allow you to live a tax free lifestyle, which should definitely help you save up a few bucks.
Storm approaching the coast in Belize. By Grant Heller
Before you pack your bags, be aware that the country has dry and wet seasons so the weather is not always as perfect as you wish. The wet season starts in May and ends in October – it rains all the time and the hurricanes may occur, so if you want to spend just a few months in the country, go between November and April.
The world is changing fast and the bargain destinations may soon become less affordable, so go there before it is too late.
And don’t forget that the best things in life are for free. Living abroad for less than $500 a month is great but what counts most is the people you meet, friends you make, experience you acquire, places you see, tastes and smells you learn to recognize.
There are also countries in Europe and Africa where you can live for $500 a month. So keep checking the blog... the article is coming soon.
P.S. At the time of writing, the exchange rate was $1 - €0.71.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
TOP 10 NEWS MAKERS IN 2010
TOP 10 NEWS MAKERS IN 2010
1..Hon’ble President Ms Pratibha Patil visited U.A.E and syria during November 21-29,2010. Many pacts were signed with the two nationas during her visit . Earlier ,in September 2010 ,she had also visited Cambodia andLaos.
2..Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Sing topped the Newsweek list of 10 most respected World leaders ,released on August 18,2010.The list described him as “The leader others leaders love”.
3..Mr. S.Y Quraishi assumed charge as the Chief Election Commissioner of India in July 30,2010. Mr.Quraishi is an IAS officer of the 1971 batch from Haryana cadre.
4..Mr.Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia began his tenure as the 38th Chief Justice of India on May 12, 2010.He succeeded Mr.Justice K.G Balakrishnan ,who took charge as the chairperson of the National Human RightsCommission.
5..General Vijay Kumar Singh started his tenure as chief of the army staff on March 31,2010.He succeeded General Deepak Kapoor.
6..Mr.Mukesh Ambani chairman of Reliance Industries topped the ‘India’s Rich list released on September 29,2010.As per the list, Mr.Ambani has a net worth of $ 27 billion.
7..Music maestro A.R Rehman won two Grammy awards on Jan 31 010 in Los Angeles U.S.A.hE ALSO COMPOSED utho Bado Jeeto, the theme song of the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
8..Bangaluru girl Nicole Faria was crowned Miss Earth 2010 at the grand Pageant held in Nha Trang VIETNAMon Dec 4,2010. Earlier ,the girl had won the Femina Miss India Earth title in Mumbai in April 2010.
9..Ms. Manasvi Mamgai, a Mumbai girl, was crowned with the coveted Miss India World title in the Femina Miss India 2010 beauty pageant held in Mumbai on April 30,2010.
10..Bollywood Actress Ms.Priyanka Chopra was appointed on August 10,2010 UNICEFF National Ambassador for promoting child rights .She had been entrusted with supporting UNICEFF’s work in India and Abroad.
Similar Posts:
1..Hon’ble President Ms Pratibha Patil visited U.A.E and syria during November 21-29,2010. Many pacts were signed with the two nationas during her visit . Earlier ,in September 2010 ,she had also visited Cambodia andLaos.
2..Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Sing topped the Newsweek list of 10 most respected World leaders ,released on August 18,2010.The list described him as “The leader others leaders love”.
3..Mr. S.Y Quraishi assumed charge as the Chief Election Commissioner of India in July 30,2010. Mr.Quraishi is an IAS officer of the 1971 batch from Haryana cadre.
4..Mr.Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia began his tenure as the 38th Chief Justice of India on May 12, 2010.He succeeded Mr.Justice K.G Balakrishnan ,who took charge as the chairperson of the National Human RightsCommission.
5..General Vijay Kumar Singh started his tenure as chief of the army staff on March 31,2010.He succeeded General Deepak Kapoor.
6..Mr.Mukesh Ambani chairman of Reliance Industries topped the ‘India’s Rich list released on September 29,2010.As per the list, Mr.Ambani has a net worth of $ 27 billion.
7..Music maestro A.R Rehman won two Grammy awards on Jan 31 010 in Los Angeles U.S.A.hE ALSO COMPOSED utho Bado Jeeto, the theme song of the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
8..Bangaluru girl Nicole Faria was crowned Miss Earth 2010 at the grand Pageant held in Nha Trang VIETNAMon Dec 4,2010. Earlier ,the girl had won the Femina Miss India Earth title in Mumbai in April 2010.
9..Ms. Manasvi Mamgai, a Mumbai girl, was crowned with the coveted Miss India World title in the Femina Miss India 2010 beauty pageant held in Mumbai on April 30,2010.
10..Bollywood Actress Ms.Priyanka Chopra was appointed on August 10,2010 UNICEFF National Ambassador for promoting child rights .She had been entrusted with supporting UNICEFF’s work in India and Abroad.
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TOP10 LANGUAGES IN WORLD
TOP10 LANGUAGES IN WORLD
10. French
Number of speakers: 129 million
Often called the most romantic language in the world, French is spoken in tons of countries, including Belgium, Canada, Rwanda, Cameroon, and Haiti. Oh, and France too. We're actually very lucky that French is so popular, because without it, we might have been stuck with Dutch Toast, Dutch Fries, and Dutch kissing (ew! ).
To say "hello" in French, say "Bonjour" (bone-JOOR).
9. Malay-Indonesian
Number of speakers: 159 million
Malay-Indonesian is spoken - surprise - in Malaysia and Indonesia. Actually, we kinda fudged the numbers on this one because there are many dialects of Malay, The most popular of which is Indonesian. But they're all pretty much based on the same root language, which makes it the ninth most-spoken in the world. Indonesia is a fascinating place; a nation made up of over 13,000 islands it is the sixth most populated country in the world. Malaysia borders on two of the larger parts of Indonesia (including the island of Borneo), and is mostly known for its capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
To say "hello" in Indonesian, say "Selamat pagi" (se-LA-maht PA-gee).
8. Portuguese
Number of speakers: 191 million
Think of Portuguese as the little language that could. In the 12th Century, Portugal won its independence from Spain and expanded all over the world with the he lp of its famous explorers like Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator. (Good thing Henry became a navigator . . . could you imagine if a guy named "Prince Henry the Navigator" became a florist?) Because Portugal got in so early on the exploring game, the language established itself all over the world, especially in Brazil (where it's the national language), Macau, Angola, Venezuela, and Mozambique.
To say "hello" in Portuguese, say "Bom dia" (bohn DEE-ah).
7. Bengali
Number of speakers: 211 million
In Bangladesh, a country of 120+ million people, just about everybody speaks Bengali. And because Bangladesh is virtually surrounded by India (where the population is growing so fast, just breathing the air can get you pregnant), the number of Bengali speakers in the world is much higher than most people would expect.
To say "hello" in Bengali, say "Ei Je" (EYE-jay).
6. Arabic
Number of speakers: 246 million
Arabic, one of the world's oldest languages, is spoken in the Middle East, with speakers found in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Furthermore, because Arabic is the language of the Koran, millions of Moslems in other countries speak Arabic as well. So many people have a working knowledge of Arabic, in fact, that in 1974 it was made the sixth official language of the United Nations.
To say "hello" in Arabic, say "Al salaam a'alaykum" (Ahl sah-LAHM ah ah-LAY-koom).
5. Russian
Number of speakers: 277 million
Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin, and Yakov Smirnoff are among the millions of Russian speakers out there. Sure, we used to think of them as our Commie enemies. Now we think of them as our Commie friends. One of the six languages in the UN, Russian is spoken not only in the Mother Country, but also in Belarus, Kazakhst an, and the U.S. (to name just a few places).
To say "hello" in Russian, say "Zdravstvuite" (ZDRAST-vet-yah).
4. Spanish
Number of speakers: 392 million
Aside from all of those kids who take it in high school, Spanish is spoken in just about every South American and Central American country, not to mention Spain, Cuba, and the U.S. There is a particular interest in Spanish in the U.S., as many English words are borrowed from the language, including: tornado, bonanza, patio, quesadilla, enchilada, and taco grande supreme.
To say "hello" in Spanish, say "Hola" (OH-la).
3. Hindustani [ We're here ]
Number of speakers: 497 million
Hindustani is the primary language of India's crowded population, and it encompasses a huge number of dialects (of which the most commonly spoken is Hindi). While many predict that the population of India will soon surpass that of China, the prominence of English in India prevents Hindustani from surpassing the most popular language in the world. If you're interested in learning a little Hindi, there's a very easy way: rent an Indian movie. The film industry in India is the most prolific in the world, making thousands of action/romance/musicals every year.
To say "hello" in Hindustani, say "Namaste" (Nah-MAH-stay).
2. English
Number of speakers: 508 million
While English doesn't have the most speakers, it is the official language of more countries than any other language. Its speakers hail from all around the world, including the U.S., Australia, England, Zimbabwe, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Canada. We'd tell you more about English, but you probably feel pretty comfortable with the language already. Let's just move on to the most popular language in the world.
To say "hello" in English, say "What's up, freak?" (watz-UP-freek).
1. Mandarin
Number of speakers: 1 billion+
Surprise, surprise, the most widely spoken language on the planet is based in the most populated country on the planet, China. Beating second-place English by a 2 to 1 ratio, but don't let that lull you into thinking that Mandarin is easy to learn. Speaking Mandarin can be really tough, because each word can be pronounced in four ways (or "tones"), and a beginner will invariably have trouble distinguishing one tone from another. But if over a billion people could do it, so could you. Try saying hello!
To say "hello" in Mandarin, say "Ni hao" (Nee HaOW). ("Hao" is pronounced as one syllable, but the tone requires that you let your voice drop midway, and then raise it again at the end.)
10. French
Number of speakers: 129 million
Often called the most romantic language in the world, French is spoken in tons of countries, including Belgium, Canada, Rwanda, Cameroon, and Haiti. Oh, and France too. We're actually very lucky that French is so popular, because without it, we might have been stuck with Dutch Toast, Dutch Fries, and Dutch kissing (ew! ).
To say "hello" in French, say "Bonjour" (bone-JOOR).
9. Malay-Indonesian
Number of speakers: 159 million
Malay-Indonesian is spoken - surprise - in Malaysia and Indonesia. Actually, we kinda fudged the numbers on this one because there are many dialects of Malay, The most popular of which is Indonesian. But they're all pretty much based on the same root language, which makes it the ninth most-spoken in the world. Indonesia is a fascinating place; a nation made up of over 13,000 islands it is the sixth most populated country in the world. Malaysia borders on two of the larger parts of Indonesia (including the island of Borneo), and is mostly known for its capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
To say "hello" in Indonesian, say "Selamat pagi" (se-LA-maht PA-gee).
8. Portuguese
Number of speakers: 191 million
Think of Portuguese as the little language that could. In the 12th Century, Portugal won its independence from Spain and expanded all over the world with the he lp of its famous explorers like Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator. (Good thing Henry became a navigator . . . could you imagine if a guy named "Prince Henry the Navigator" became a florist?) Because Portugal got in so early on the exploring game, the language established itself all over the world, especially in Brazil (where it's the national language), Macau, Angola, Venezuela, and Mozambique.
To say "hello" in Portuguese, say "Bom dia" (bohn DEE-ah).
7. Bengali
Number of speakers: 211 million
In Bangladesh, a country of 120+ million people, just about everybody speaks Bengali. And because Bangladesh is virtually surrounded by India (where the population is growing so fast, just breathing the air can get you pregnant), the number of Bengali speakers in the world is much higher than most people would expect.
To say "hello" in Bengali, say "Ei Je" (EYE-jay).
6. Arabic
Number of speakers: 246 million
Arabic, one of the world's oldest languages, is spoken in the Middle East, with speakers found in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Furthermore, because Arabic is the language of the Koran, millions of Moslems in other countries speak Arabic as well. So many people have a working knowledge of Arabic, in fact, that in 1974 it was made the sixth official language of the United Nations.
To say "hello" in Arabic, say "Al salaam a'alaykum" (Ahl sah-LAHM ah ah-LAY-koom).
5. Russian
Number of speakers: 277 million
Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin, and Yakov Smirnoff are among the millions of Russian speakers out there. Sure, we used to think of them as our Commie enemies. Now we think of them as our Commie friends. One of the six languages in the UN, Russian is spoken not only in the Mother Country, but also in Belarus, Kazakhst an, and the U.S. (to name just a few places).
To say "hello" in Russian, say "Zdravstvuite" (ZDRAST-vet-yah).
4. Spanish
Number of speakers: 392 million
Aside from all of those kids who take it in high school, Spanish is spoken in just about every South American and Central American country, not to mention Spain, Cuba, and the U.S. There is a particular interest in Spanish in the U.S., as many English words are borrowed from the language, including: tornado, bonanza, patio, quesadilla, enchilada, and taco grande supreme.
To say "hello" in Spanish, say "Hola" (OH-la).
3. Hindustani [ We're here ]
Number of speakers: 497 million
Hindustani is the primary language of India's crowded population, and it encompasses a huge number of dialects (of which the most commonly spoken is Hindi). While many predict that the population of India will soon surpass that of China, the prominence of English in India prevents Hindustani from surpassing the most popular language in the world. If you're interested in learning a little Hindi, there's a very easy way: rent an Indian movie. The film industry in India is the most prolific in the world, making thousands of action/romance/musicals every year.
To say "hello" in Hindustani, say "Namaste" (Nah-MAH-stay).
2. English
Number of speakers: 508 million
While English doesn't have the most speakers, it is the official language of more countries than any other language. Its speakers hail from all around the world, including the U.S., Australia, England, Zimbabwe, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Canada. We'd tell you more about English, but you probably feel pretty comfortable with the language already. Let's just move on to the most popular language in the world.
To say "hello" in English, say "What's up, freak?" (watz-UP-freek).
1. Mandarin
Number of speakers: 1 billion+
Surprise, surprise, the most widely spoken language on the planet is based in the most populated country on the planet, China. Beating second-place English by a 2 to 1 ratio, but don't let that lull you into thinking that Mandarin is easy to learn. Speaking Mandarin can be really tough, because each word can be pronounced in four ways (or "tones"), and a beginner will invariably have trouble distinguishing one tone from another. But if over a billion people could do it, so could you. Try saying hello!
To say "hello" in Mandarin, say "Ni hao" (Nee HaOW). ("Hao" is pronounced as one syllable, but the tone requires that you let your voice drop midway, and then raise it again at the end.)
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